Reduction of elevated total & LDL cholesterol levels in patients w/ primary hypercholesterolemia, when the response to diet & other non-pharmacological measures is inadequate. Reduction of elevated cholesterol levels in patients w/ combined hypercholesterolemia & hypertriglyceridemia. Reduce the risk of coronary death & non-fatal MI. Reduce the risk of stroke. Reduce the risk for undergoing myocardial revascularization procedures. Slow the progression of coronary atherosclerosis, including reducing the development of new lesions & new total occlusions.
Dosage/Direction for Use
10 mg/day as a single dose in the evening. Max: 80 mg/day.
Administration
May be taken with or without food: Avoid excessive consumption (>1 L/day) of grapefruit juice.
Contraindications
Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases (including liver cirrhosis, acute hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, chronic alcoholic abuse & liver cancer). Pregnancy, lactation.
Special Precautions
Patients who consume substantial quantities of alcohol &/or have a past history of liver disease. Monitor liver function during therapy. Patients should be advised to report promptly any symptoms suggestive of myopathy. Patients w/ risk factors predisposing to the development of renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis.
Gemfibrozil & other fibrates, lipid-lowering doses (≥1 g/day) of niacin increase the risk of myopathy when given concomitantly w/ simvastatin. Cyclosporin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, HIV PIs & nefazodone. May enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.
Sign Out
